EDMONTON – CNIB Alberta has launched its third advocacy campaign of the year, attempting to raise awareness amongst Albertans that essential rehabilitative care for the visually-impaired is not fully funded by our health care system and instead relies heavily on donations from the community. This is unlike any other medical condition requiring rehabilitation.

“This holiday season, we are asking Albertans to join us in wishing for a health system that addresses the needs of those living with blindness or partial sight,” said John McDonald, executive director. “We are encouraging them to express those wishes using social media and our letter-writing website.”

In addition to promoting the hashtag #MyWishIs using CNIB’s social media platforms, the organization has launched MyWishIs.ca, a website that allows Albertans to join those impacted by vision loss in sending a note to their local MLAs.

In its most recent proposal to the Government of Alberta, entitled Envisioning Alberta’s Future (www.bit.ly/envisionalberta), the organization has asked for Alberta Health to address the funding gap in providing essential rehabilitative care. The current funding gap – under the current business model – is approximately $2.5 million. This is in addition to the $1.5 million received from Alberta Human Services.

“Currently, we are addressing this gap by raising money from charitable sources,” added McDonald. “But with our economy facing challenges, we know this current funding model isn’t sustainable – nor is it fair.”

The #MyWishIs campaign will run until the end of the calendar year. Events will include a visit to the Legislature from CNIB clients who will pass along holiday cards to MLAs.